DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

Reflections after moderating the panel “United Communities and Regions: Effective Governance for Ukraine’s Recovery” at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, Italy. 

Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, European Association for Local Democracy – moderated the panel on local and regional governance in Ukraine at the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Rome on 10–11 July 2025.

What follows is a first-hand account of this experience, shared in her own words. Mrs. Valmorbida played an important role not only during the Conference itself, but also throughout the preparatory process leading up to this crucial moment of URC 2025.

ALDA stands in firm support of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and in defence of its territorial integrity. Since 2012, ALDA has been actively engaged in strengthening local democracy and has consistently supported the European aspirations of the country and its citizens.

“At URC 2025 in Rome, I had the privilege of moderating a panel on local and regional governance in Ukraine.

I began the session with a brief but impactful statement that drew immediate attention to the heart of the matter:

“Ukraine’s recovery cannot succeed without solid democratic and accountable governance at all levels. And what we have seen, even during the most dramatic moments of the war, is that Ukrainian communities, mayors, and local leaders have not only endured—but led.”

This was not an abstract debate. It was a conversation about real people, under real pressure, making critical decisions every day. What became clear throughout the session is that local self-government has become the very core of Ukraine’s resilience and recovery. It is at the local level that rebuilding has already begun—through underground hospitals, energy protection systems, intermunicipal cooperation, and safe shelters for learning. These are not theories; these are daily realities.

The panel brought together a powerful and diverse mix of voices: mayors, regional leaders, MPs, international partners, reform experts, and EU officials. But most importantly, it brought together authentic voices—those who live and shape these realities on the ground.

I would like to share a few highlights and quotes that reflect the urgency, clarity, and spirit that shaped the discussion.

In a heartfelt address, Oleksii Riabykin, Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories, highlighted the extraordinary challenges Ukraine has been facing due to Russia’s full-scale war, emphasising that no part of the country is truly safe from missile and drone attacks. Despite this, 99% of local self-governments remained active, playing a crucial role in defending their communities and upholding democratic values.

Mr Riabykin stressed the importance of establishing a legal framework to monitor local government decisions, ensuring a clear division of powers, and maintaining a constructive dialogue between local and national authorities—even in the face of daily challenges.

“Ukraine continues the reform and the recovery. Why? Because we have no other choice. Reform and recovery is about people. The reform continues every moment. The local self-government and the central authorities need to be able to respond to these challenges and changes and if it were not for the internal unity, we would not be able to respond to these challenges.”

He concluded by expressing deep gratitude to Ukrainian institutions and international partners—referred to as “friends”—for their unwavering support in helping Ukraine grow, defend itself, and pursue democratic reform.

Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Regional Administration, described frontline realities of an area who has become a symbol of both destruction and resilience:

“Since August 2024, drone attacks have increased. We faced around 3,000 drone strikes weekly. But life in Kherson never stopped. We didn’t give up. We didn’t leave. We adapted, resisted, and learned.”

Indeed, despite all horrors, life in Kherson never stopped. Residents stayed, adapted, resisted, and innovated. Mr Prokudin shared how these hard-earned lessons have been transformed into a programme called “Civil-Military Administration in Conditions of Modern War”—a practical, experience-based guide for surviving and functioning under constant attack. The programme addresses:

  • Drone defence, including a three-level electronic wall operating across 15 frequencies and drones that intercept others mid-air.
  • Medical care under bombardment, with underground hospitals already functioning and more underway.
  • Education, with children learning in shelters and plans to reopen more schools under protection.
  • Energy resilience, with critical infrastructure shielded by physical defences, electronic warfare, and backup power systems.

The speaker warned that if war reaches other parts of Europe, unprepared regions will face catastrophic consequences. Kherson’s experience, developed through devastating losses, can now serve others. 

In closing, he made a powerful appeal: to give meaning to Kherson’s suffering by transforming pain into preparedness—and to “build a Europe where no regions would learn these lessons the hard way”.

Vitalii Bezghin, Chairman of the Committee on State Building, Verkhovna Rada, connected the current challenges to the bigger picture: he thanked European partners, and particularly Italian ones, for their continued support, emphasising that Ukraine is defending not only itself but all of Europe from Russian autocracy.

Then, he reflected on Ukraine’s unique experience: more than 11 years of war and decentralisation reform, 5 years of a new territorial structure, and 3 years of full-scale invasion. Despite this, Ukrainian municipalities and regional administrations have developed a “symbiotic” model, balancing decentralised governance with state administration—a structure that has helped maintain stability during the war.

“We got this symbiotic system of decentralised municipalities and communities, but in a parallel way we got our state administrations”.

He also highlighted three key pillars of decentralisation going forward: resources, influence, and above all, responsibility—particularly in terms of transparency and accountability to citizens. 

Finally, Mr Bezghin mentioned Ukraine’s 2019 territorial reform as a unique achievement: consolidating over 11,000 local units into 1,470 strong municipalities. These communities now serve not only as the backbone of Ukraine’s resilience but also as Europe’s frontline of defence. “Ukraine – he concluded – is not only in need of support but is also ready to share its hard-earned knowledge with Europe.”

Stefano Lo Russo, Mayor of Turin (Italy), speaking also on behalf of fellow Italian mayors from cities like Bergamo, Bari, and Verona, drew a parallel between the challenges faced by Ukraine and those experienced in Italy — emphasising the importance of turning tragedy into an opportunity for renewal and growth.

Highlighting Italy’s long-standing tradition of strong municipalities, the mayor stressed the centrality of local authorities in both institutional governance and public service delivery. 

“Municipalities are crucial not only in administrative processes but also at the institutional level. Hence, I believe that within a framework of European legal settings, subsidiarity is a central topic, and I believe that helping Ukraine with a reform of the asset is a fundamental step towards creating a new model with a split between centralised and decentralised power.” 

He proposed Italy’s model—not as the only one, but as a useful reference—for Ukraine’s decentralisation reform, advocating for a clear division of responsibilities between central and local powers. Finally, he concluded by affirming the importance of subsidiarity and the use of EU funds at the local level, urging that local autonomy be recognised as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s future European integration.

Mathieu Mori, Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, reaffirmed the organisation’s longstanding commitment to supporting Ukraine’s democratic resilience—especially at the local and regional level.

“Ukraine has been a member of the Council of Europe for 30 years. So we’ve worked together at increasing democratic security of Ukraine which involves of course also increasing decentralisation and good governance.” 

While recalling the Congress’s involvement in 2014 during the first wave of decentralisation reform, he highlighted today’s scenario where the Congress works closely with Ukrainian stakeholders—including the Parliament, government, and local authority associations — to revise and update the 2014 decentralisation framework.

In response to questions on governance structure, Mori outlined three major areas of focus:

  • Transition from military to civilian administration in de-occupied territories.
  • Clear division of competences between national and local governments.
  • Strengthening inter-municipal cooperation, civic engagement, transparency, and accountability.

He concluded by underlining that what may seem like “technical” reforms are, in fact, crucial for Ukraine’s democratic renewal. The Congress remains a committed, long-term partner, ready to support Ukraine every step of the way.

Sergii Mazur, Mayor of Balta in the Odesa region, emphasised the economic perspective of local recovery. Despite the war and daily threats, the mayor stressed that Ukraine remains a place of opportunity. Investing in Ukraine, especially in smaller municipalities, offers clear returns, helps people remain in their communities, and supports local economic development. He shared examples of successful cooperation with Ukraine’s Ministry of Communities and Territories, which enabled his city to carry out quick, high-impact projects like hospitals and schools—often despite legislative uncertainty.

He highlighted the importance of international partnerships, mentioning Germany’s goal to reach 1,000 municipal partnerships with Ukrainian cities by the end of the year. He warmly thanked Italy for its support and extended a call for twinning cooperation, expressing Balta’s openness to forming a partnership with an Italian municipality.

“Thanks to our partners, we have been able to implement various social projects during the full-scale invasion and those projects were implemented in the times that were most difficult for Ukraine.”

The speech closed with a powerful reminder: Ukraine is not only defending itself but also protecting Europe’s shared values, and the mayor called on European partners to invest in Ukraine—not just as donors, but as reliable allies in rebuilding and integration. 

Haoliang Xu, UNDP Acting Administrator, outlined the organisation’s strategic priorities for supporting local and regional governance in Ukraine, emphasising that national development goals cannot be achieved without local action. 

UNDP’s approach focuses on aligning local initiatives with national objectives through long-term, systems-based recovery strategies that empower actors at all levels—from central government to civil society and local communities.

In particular, he stressed four central priorities, being Reconstruction, Returns, Resilience and Reforms.

To support these, UNDP applies a local area-based programming tool that integrates planning, financing, and governance while advancing priorities such as infrastructure recovery, economic revitalisation, climate action, gender equality, and community resilience.

“We are trying to really promote this system-based and the long-term recovery approach that empowers all actors, all stakeholders from the central government to local authorities, civil society, private sector and citizen groups.”

The representative concluded by reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to connecting national plans with local implementation and delivering integrated support for Ukraine’s recovery—rooted in transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, opened by recalling the evolution of the Ukraine Recovery Conference — from its initial focus on reforms to its current emphasis on recovery, while underscoring that Ukraine has impressively continued its reform agenda even amid full-scale war.

He then reminded us of the strategic role of decentralisation:

“Decentralisation is often referred to as the most important and successful reform since the Revolution of Dignity in 2014. I think we have seen a very deep transformation of local governments.”

He then concluded by recalling two key initiatives in the support to Ukraine, such as U-LEAD with Europe and EU4Recovery which were also highlighted as vital to Ukraine’s resilience and European path.

Finally, Alla Basalaieva, Head of the State Audit Service of Ukraine, outlined the country’s decentralised system of control for overseeing recovery-related projects. 

With regional audit offices across Ukraine, the service conducts both audits and inspections aimed not only at detecting violations but also at evaluating the effectiveness of administrative decisions. 

“The main task (of audits) is not in fact to find or reveal violations but just to see how effective the administrative decisions are.”

She then highlighted the service’s additional role as Ukraine’s Anti-Fraud Coordination Service, working in close collaboration with OLAF to strengthen donor confidence and provide a subnational level of oversight.

In this perspective, three key structural challenges were identified:

  • Lack of transparent criteria for selecting reconstruction projects, leading to non-transparent allocation of funds.
  • Poor quality project documentation and inflated construction costs.
  • Absence of a legally regulated framework for estimating reconstruction costs.

Mrs. Basalaieva praised the cooperation with the Ministry for Reconstruction and noted that many audit recommendations lead to legislative initiatives. She concluded by announcing a new cooperation agreement with the European Investment Bank, reinforcing the Audit Service’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability in Ukraine’s recovery.

These are just some hints that emerged from the conversation, spoken with steady, resilient voices, eyes filled with hope, and deep emotion for all that is happening in Ukraine.

Listening to these speakers, I was reminded of a simple yet powerful truth: democracy and resilience begin in municipalities. And that is exactly where ALDA stands.

For many years, well before the full-scale invasion of 2022, ALDA has worked hand-in-hand with local communities in Ukraine. And throughout the war, we have continued and expanded that commitment.

When I speak about ALDA, I picture our partners, the Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs). They are not offices. They are living, breathing local movements. They support and help displaced people, empower youth to engage in decision-making processes, promote transparent governance, and bring people together during crises.

We have helped establish LDAs in Dnipropetrosk region, Mariupol, Odesa, Vinnytsia, Ovrutch and, most recently, in Kharkiv in 2024. Beyond these, we are actively supporting more than 30 Ukrainian members through dozens of very concrete community projects, together with over 50 European partners. ALDA is a membership based and membership-led organisation, and we bring Ukraine to Europe and Europe to Ukraine.

In Dnipropetrovsk Region, ALDA worked with LDA Dnipro on a project aimed at renovating four premises in the Sokil residential complex to provide temporary shelter for 6–8 internally displaced persons (IDPs). More than just housing, this initiative offered a safe and dignified space for people who had fled the violence, giving them not only a roof over their heads but a sense of belonging. Set within a condominium, the shelter functions as a small, supportive micro-community—fostering social cohesion, mutual care, and shared responsibility. At the same time, it actively promotes good governance and participatory democracy at the local level, showing how solidarity and local action can rebuild lives even in the shadow of conflict.

The Local Democracy Agency of Mariupol, now relocated to Kyiv, continues its activities also back to back with the vital work through the “I-Mariupol” initiative: offering psychological support, organising community events, and assisting survivors of occupation. A special support from ALDA today goes to Mariupol’s municipal team to develop social affordable housing in Ukraine. 

In October 2024, the “Garden of Dreams” camp was launched in Bohuslav (Kyiv region) to support children aged 10–16 from internally displaced families from Mariupol. Organised by the LDA Mariupol with support from several partners including ALDA, the initiative offered creative workshops, excursions, and physical activities to foster psychological resilience, creativity, and social connection. The camp provided a safe and inspiring space where children could process trauma, rebuild confidence, and regain hope for a brighter future.

In the Vinnytsia region, we provided rehabilitation support to one hospital and to refugee centers. We also built partnerships with French and Spanish actors who share our belief in Ukraine’s independence and European future. These European  partnerships  already gave successes; fostering cooperation with universities, economic actors, and the social sector.

In Kharkiv, we are working with French and Italian municipalities and regions to improve support to this difficult border region. 

These are just a few examples, and they may sound like small stories. They don’t always make the headlines. But this is precisely what true resilience looks like. 

At ALDA, we believe in reinforcing what is already working: creating spaces where communities can speak, listen, and – ultimately – act together. 

We have experience. We have committed partners. And now, our task is to ensure these stories don’t remain confined to the halls of URC. They must become the blueprint for rebuilding a more democratic and resilient Europe.

After this long journey shared with the organisers of the URC 2025, in both Rome and Kyiv, we express our deepest thanks. We have to thank them for valorising the efforts of local and regional governments and for enabling us  to work more closely together in shaping Ukraine’s future.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

🇮🇹 This article is in Italian, English below

L’Associazione Caracol Olol Jackson Onlus, in partenariato insieme ad ALDA Italia APS, ha presentato e vinto una richiesta di finanziamento proveniente dall’8 per mille della Chiesa Valdese. Questo finanziamento di 15.000 euro permetterà alle due organizzazioni di promuovere, potenziare e migliorare i servizi offerti dall’Associazione Caracol, rivolti a quelle fasce della popolazione che si trovano in situazioni di indigenza o vulnerabilità. 

L’Associazione Caracol Olol Jackson onlus ha attivato nel 2020 un Ambulatorio Popolare, nato per garantire il diritto alla salute di tutti/e, offrendo servizi medici specialistici gratuiti (medicina di base, odontoiatria, ginecologia, oculistica, otorinolaringoiatria e supporto psicologico) a coloro che non hanno accesso al Sistema Sanitario Nazionale o che non possono permettersi le cure mediche: cittadini italiani privi di residenza, stranieri regolarmente presenti ma non residenti, cittadini stranieri maggiorenni indigenti, comunitari o extracomunitari. Inoltre, si tratta di uno spazio dove ricevere accoglienza, ascolto, orientamento, informazioni, grazie al lavoro volontario di personale sanitario e amministrativo. L’ambulatorio è un presidio contro le disuguaglianze sanitarie, e allo stesso tempo uno spazio di relazione e accoglienza. Il progetto Cura e Solidarietà permetterà l’acquisto di materiale di consumo odontoiatrico-protesico e di farmacia, e l’offerta di un servizio sempre più qualificato. 

Nel progetto “Cura e Solidarietà” ALDA Italia APS ha il ruolo di responsabile della comunicazione, essendo un ente che può vantare una vasta rete di contatti nel territorio. ALDA Italia si occuperà quindi della promozione delle varie attività attraverso i social e coordinerà una campagna di reclutamento di volontari. Un’altra finalità è infatti far conoscere le attività dell’Ambulatorio Popolare non solo ai possibili beneficiari delle cure, ma anche alla cittadinanza tutta, promuovendo l’adesione di nuovi medici volontari per incrementare il servizio e diminuire le liste di attesa che esistono già da tempo per l’accesso alle cure presso Caracol.

ALDA Italia organizzerà inoltre tre eventi informativi nei tre quartieri vicentini di maggiore interesse: San Lazzaro, San Giuseppe e Ferrovieri. Questi eventi, aperti a tutta la cittadinanza e in particolare a coloro che non hanno accesso al SSN, saranno l’occasione per presentare alla città il progetto, oltre alle varie attività dell’Associazione Caracol e dell’Ambulatorio, e dove sarà possibile avere maggiori informazioni sulle attività dei medici e sulle modalità per diventare volontario.

Infine, “Cura e Solidarietà” si propone di produrre materiali informativi e contenuti social per rendere più accessibile il diritto alla salute, informando i destinatari su come esercitare i loro diritti e su come accedere alle cure. L’obiettivo è anche rendere più fruibili le norme burocratiche, amministrative e sanitarie per coloro a cui viene negata o parzialmente coperta la sanità e garantire quindi il diritto universale alla salute.

Per info consultare i siti web e canali social di Caracol e ALDA oppure scrivere a progetti@caracolol.it o silvia.pasetto@aldaintranet.org 

Caracol Association and ALDA Italia APS join forces in a new community-based project on the right to health

The association Caracol Olol Jackson Onlus, in partnership with ALDA Italia APS, has submitted and won a funding request from the Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church. This funding, amounting to €15,000, will allow the two organisations to promote, strengthen and improve the services offered by Caracol, aimed at segments of the population living in poverty or vulnerable conditions.

Caracol Olol Jackson Onlus launched a Community Health Clinic (Ambulatorio Popolare) in 2020, established to ensure everyone’s right to health by offering free specialist medical services (including general medicine, dentistry, gynaecology, ophthalmology, ENT, and psychological support) to those who do not have access to the National Health System or who cannot afford medical care. This includes Italian citizens without residency, non-resident but legally present foreigners, and indigent EU and non-EU adults. The clinic is also a welcoming space where people can find guidance, support, and information, thanks to the voluntary work of healthcare and administrative professionals. It serves both as a point of access to healthcare and a place of social support and inclusion.

The Cura e Solidarietà (Care and Solidarity) project will enable the purchase of dental/prosthetic supplies and pharmaceutical materials, contributing to an increasingly qualified and effective service.

In this project, ALDA Italia APS is responsible for communication, leveraging its extensive network of local contacts. ALDA Italia will promote the project’s activities through its social media channels and will coordinate a volunteer recruitment campaign. One of the project’s goals is to raise awareness of the clinic’s services not only among potential beneficiaries but also among the broader public, with the aim of attracting new volunteer doctors to enhance service capacity and reduce the long-standing waiting lists.

ALDA Italia will also organise three public information events in the Vicenza neighbourhoods most concerned: San Lazzaro, San Giuseppe, and Ferrovieri. These events, open to the public and especially to those without access to the national health system, will be an opportunity to present the project and Caracol’s activities, provide information about the medical services, and explain how to become a volunteer.

Finally, the Cura e Solidarietà project aims to produce informative materials and social media content to make the right to health more accessible, informing people about how to exercise their rights and access care. The goal is also to simplify administrative, bureaucratic and healthcare procedures for those whose access to healthcare is denied or only partially covered, thereby promoting the universal right to health.

📩 For more information, please visit the websites and social media channels of Caracol and ALDA, or contact:
progetti@caracolol.it or silvia.pasetto@aldaintranet.org.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

The BUILDSPACE project is extending the deadline for the Open Call for Replication Potential, a unique opportunity for cities and organisations to explore how BUILDSPACE’s innovative services can be applied in their own local context to support energy efficiency, urban heat mitigation, and flood resilience.

🔧 What is the BUILDSPACE project?

The project integrates terrestrial building data (collected by IoT platforms, BIM solutions,etc.) with aerial and satellite data (including drones equipped with thermal cameras, EGNSS and Copernicus) to develop a suite of services that enable cities and building stakeholders to make data-driven decisions for a sustainable transformation.BUILDSPACE offers five decision-support tools through a core platform, applied at both the building and city scales. 

📢 What Is the Open Call for Replication Potential?

The Open Call invites stakeholders to assess the replication potential of BUILDSPACE services beyond the pilot areas. Selected participants will gain access to:

  • Expert training 
  • Exclusive resources and documentation
  • Networking and collaboration opportunities
  • Visibility in EU-wide communications

👥 Who Can Apply?

The call is open to:

  • Cities, regions, and municipalities
  • Energy agencies and cooperatives
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  • Other stakeholders active in sustainable urban development

📅 Deadline Extended: apply by 31 October 2025

Applications will be accepted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until 31 October 2025.
We encourage interested organisations to apply as early as possible to secure their place in this exciting initiative.

🔹Useful materials and links:

📬 Contacts

For questions or support during the application process, please reach out to:
📧 buildspace_comms@alda-europe.eu
 📧 lizeth@alda-europe.eu

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

Brussels, 14 May 2025. In the framework of the SHARED GREEN DEAL project, the Environment & Climate Hub hosted the SHARED GREEN DEAL Network Strategy Co-Creation Workshop, a successful event advancing participatory approaches to European Green Deal goals. The event brought together project partners, key stakeholders, and European Commission representatives to shape a new dynamic, multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary network, built on the project’s experience in bridging social science insights and real-world environmental action.The SHARED GREEN DEAL project (2022–2027), funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme and led by Anglia Ruskin University, gathers 22 partners across Europe to develop people-centred solutions supporting six Green Deal policy areas. ALDA plays a central role in building a dynamic transnational network, fostering cooperation among researchers, civil society, local authorities, and other key actors. This project represents one of the Hub’s flagship initiatives, thanks to its strategic role in the creation and coordination of the Network, which is expected to continue beyond the project’s end in 2027. The Brussels workshop marked a major step forward in this effort, focusing on co-creating a shared vision and strategic direction for the network.

The SHARED GREEN DEAL Network aims to be a strategic tool to connect local social innovation with European ambition for the just green transition.

Key speakers included Valeria Fantini, Environment & Climate Hub Coordinator, who facilitated the workshop together with Prof. Rosie Robison and Prof. Chris Foulds from Anglia Ruskin University, coordinator of the SGD project.

The morning was dedicated to a participatory co-creation process with project partners and a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from NGOs, youth organisations, local authorities, and European-level networks. The workshop was an intense and enriching exchange, where participants brought their expertise and on-the-ground experience into the discussion, offering useful and insightful input which will feed the Network strategy and next steps. 

Key takeaways from the workshop included an insightful revision of the Network Mission Statement: what emerged is a more grassroots-oriented mission for the network, and a “network of networks” idea, integrating existing alliances to maximise impact. A call for commitment to inclusivity and citizen engagement was particularly raised, especially in reaching marginalised communities. To this aim, accessible and tailored communication is key, translating academic insights into clear and practical messages. Significant interest emerged in exploring how the network could also serve as a collective advocacy platform, amplifying voices at both local and EU levels. The second part of the workshop, a World Café discussion, addressed planned network activities, exploring potential opportunities, synergies, and future collaborations.

The outcome of the workshop was a shared and enriched understanding of the network’s added value: fostering social innovation, enabling collaboration, and linking evidence-based research to policy and practice.

In the afternoon, SHARED GREEN DEAL partners convened a roundtable with European Commission representatives to present the project’s vision and seek the Network’s alignment with EU policy priorities. This dialogue offered valuable insights: the EC is increasingly focused on scaling cost-effective and citizen-supported solutions that demonstrate measurable impact. There is a shift in the EU narrative, from Green Deal to a green transition that also champions competitiveness and industrial transformation. Local and regional actors are seen as crucial enablers of the Green Deal, with cities at the frontline of citizen engagement. The Commission emphasised the need for concrete outputs that can guide future policies and direct EU funding programmes. Notably, the SHARED GREEN DEAL Network aligns with key EU policy trends and funding cycles, offering a strategic window to shape long-term impact.

The SHARED GREEN DEAL Network aims to be a strategic tool to connect local social innovation with European ambition for the just green transition. The Brussels event marked a critical step in shaping its direction. Through ALDA Hub’s coordination and the collective effort of all participants, the network is growing into a lasting space for collaborative, inclusive, and impactful environmental action across Europe.

ALDA is now working to further structure the Network ahead of its official Launch event in January 2026. Stay tuned as we continue building momentum towards a truly shared and effective Network!

default
default
default
default

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

From the 18th to the 20th of June, the No Hate Speech Week took place in Strasbourg. No Hate Speech Week is an event organised by the Council of Europe that gathers various participants from all fields and all of the 33 members of the Council of Europe, all engaged in preventing and combating hate speech. The 2025 edition was focused on “Enhancing legal and non-legal measures against hate speech through a multi-stakeholder approach”. During the event, conferences as well as workshops were organised for participants to exchange on good practices and innovations to fight hate speech, discuss recent legal and policy developments, etc. 

“Hate speech is not an isolated issue, but a part of a deeper challenge – to trust, to truth, to democracy itself”

-Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset at the opening of the No Hate Speech Week 2025

No Hate Speech Week is organised to prevent and fight hate speech as a global threatening issue. Although there are a lot of definitions and interpretations around the term hate speech, in a general way, hate speech includes any kind of communication that uses pejorative or derogatory language with reference to a person or a group attacking who they are (ethnicity, religion, gender, etc.). Both online and offline, forms of hate speech can include stereotyping, stigmatization, etc. It is often employed in the promulgation of conspiracy theories, disinformation and denial and distortion of historical events, including genocide. 

In times of technological progress and achievements such as the internet or AI,  hate speech has become a global concern: its scale and impact have grown with new communication technologies and now has power to influence and spread hate to a wider scale, making it even more dangerous. Hate Speech not only causes harm at the personal level and can incite violence, it is an attack on inclusion, diversity and human rights. In this spirit, Alda is dedicated to fight and prevent hate speech.

At the occasion of No Hate Speech Week, the Gender, Inclusion and Human RIghts’Hub presented two projects: Stand-Up and Hatedemics, both aiming to fight against hate speech and hate crime. The first project presented was Stand-Up. In short, Stand-Up, whose full title is “enhancing cooperation through technology”, uses software and online data to link reporting, investigation, prevention, and victim support in a coordinated system that strengthens collaboration between agencies. The project took place from April 2022 to March 2024. Its objectives were to enhance multi-agency cooperation in countering hate crime by establishing harmonised definitions of hate crime and hate speech, standardise reporting procedures, deepen relevant actors’ understanding of the phenomena of hate speech and hate crime, and strengthen victim support. The project Pilot was implemented to test new tools to improve early detection and prevention of hate crimes, and as a conclusion to the project, a victim support handbook aiming to prevent hate speech crimes by promoting good practices and guidelines for CSOs and LEAs was published. 

Similarly, the Hatedemics project aims to strengthen the measures against hate speech and disinformation online with the creation of a Platform using AI tools, will empower NGOs/CSOs, fact-checkers, public authorities, and youngsters as activists to effectively prevent and combat polarisation, the spread of racist, xenophobic and intolerant speech, as well as conspiracy theories. Through the development of the Hatedemics Platform, a toolsuite that brings together the partners’ expertise gained in hate and disinformation prevention and countering, the project will design and deploy interactive training and educational paths, informed by a commitment to EU values and rights as well as raise awareness and foster the active participation of EU-27 citizens. The first results, that are promising, were presented at the occasion of the project’s mid term conference that took place in Brussels in March 2025. Ending in March 2026, the project is currently in the last phases of its implementation. 

Overall, No Hate Speech Week was an inspiring event that fostered the exchange of knowledge, the sharing of good practices, and the generation of new ideas. 

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

On 12 July 2025, the ALDA community came together at the Europa Experience – David Sassoli in Rome for its Annual General Assembly — a key moment of institutional life and participatory democracy. Members, partners and friends from across Europe and the beyond joined the event, reaffirming their shared commitment to local democracy, citizen participation, and good governance.

The Assembly took place in a particularly symbolic moment, right after the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, where ALDA had contributed to highlighting the role of local authorities and civil society in building democratic resilience. The strong presence and engagement of members once again confirmed ALDA’s unique identity: one community with focus and expertise in a changing world.

The afternoon began with the opening words by ALDA President Nataša Vučković, followed by a keynote from Gunn Marit Helgesen, Vice-President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. Her intervention highlighted the urgent need to strengthen democratic resilience through citizen involvement and innovation. 

You can read more about her speech here.

The core of the Assembly was dedicated to statutory work and democratic deliberation. Participants appointed the President of the Assembly and approved key institutional documents, including the minutes of the 2024 General Assembly, the updated Rules of Procedure, and the activity and moral reports of 2024. The Assembly also reviewed progress made on the implementation of ALDA’s 2024–2028 strategic framework, reinforcing the collective direction taken by the Association.Members approved the Treasurer’s report and the 2024 financial accounts, followed by the formal discharge of the Treasurer. The composition of the Governing Board was updated, and members took the opportunity to share reflections, proposals and ideas during the open exchanges, further confirming ALDA’s commitment to participatory governance and transparency.

“This Assembly is not only a statutory moment, but a space for connection and collective responsibility across our diverse membership.”

After the traditional family photo and coffee break, discussions resumed with the approval of the 2025 membership fees, the report à nouveau, and the auditor’s report, ensuring continuity and trust in ALDA’s financial oversight mechanisms. The Assembly then unanimously approved the Programme and Budget for 2025, outlining concrete priorities for the year ahead.

Among the highlights of the event was the delivery of membership certificates to new members, marking the continued expansion and diversification of ALDA’s network. Every new membership strengthens the community’s capacity to act at local level and to respond to democratic challenges with creativity and competence.

The Assembly concluded with a call to come together again in 2026 for the next edition of the ALDA Festival, an event that celebrates democracy in all its forms through encounters, dialogue and shared experiences.

With strong participation, institutional clarity and an engaged membership base, the 2025 General Assembly confirmed ALDA’s role as a central platform for local democracy, international cooperation and civil society development.

As Europe continues to face complex and evolving challenges, ALDA moves forward — with focus, expertise, and a community that remains as united and committed as ever.

🔗 Discover how to become a member of ALDA

🔗 Explore the 2024–2028 strategy

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

“Restoring trust in democracy requires bold thinking, strong institutions, and the involvement of all citizens – especially at the local level.” With these words, Gunn Marit Helgesen, Vice-President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, delivered the opening speech at ALDA’s General Assembly on 12 July 2025. Taking place at Europa Experience – David Sassoli in Rome, the session officially launched the afternoon’s programme, immediately following participants’ arrival and registration.

The Congress and ALDA share a long-standing partnership, dating back to the early 1990s. “One could even call the Congress the ‘cradle’ of ALDA,” she said, referring to the establishment of the first Local Democracy Agency (LDA) in Subotica, Serbia, in 1993. Since then, the cooperation has deepened significantly, with ALDA becoming an Institutional Partner of the Congress in 2018. Today, this relationship continues to reinforce shared values and advance citizen participation and good governance at the local level. 

In her speech, Ms Helgesen addressed current threats to democratic systems in Europe, quoting the Council of Europe Secretary General’s 2025 report Towards a New Democratic Pact. The report outlines a concerning landscape marked by shrinking civic space, disinformation, constraints on protests, and threats to judicial independence. She highlighted the urgent need to address these issues with a sense of collective responsibility and long-term vision. “It is time to rethink, innovate, and reinforce democracy, not reinvent it,” she stated, urging for a redefinition of democratic engagement, especially for younger generations.

The Council of Europe has therefore launched a process towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe, aimed at revitalising public trust and institutional legitimacy. Through innovation, technology, and inclusive dialogue, the Pact seeks to strengthen democratic foundations and reinforce the role of citizens as active agents in governance. ALDA’s grassroots work and extensive network make it a key player in this process.

“Local democracy is our first line of defence – and ALDA is one of its strongest champions.”

The Vice-President emphasised that democratic resilience begins at the local level. She commended ALDA’s efforts in engaging citizens directly, creating spaces for dialogue, and promoting participatory approaches that go beyond mere consultation. In this regard, the current context in Ukraine was presented as a concrete example of ALDA’s impact. Following its advisory role on the revision of Ukraine’s 2014 Decentralisation Concept, the Congress, in partnership with ALDA, is now supporting a new wave of regional consultations across the country. These aim to update a framework that has proven to be one of the most successful reforms in Ukraine’s recent history, while preparing the ground for future EU integration.

This cooperation builds on ALDA’s long-standing presence and active support to Ukrainian communities, including through its network of LDAs and numerous EU-funded projects. To explore more about ALDA’s ongoing work in Ukraine, visit the dedicated section.

Ms Helgesen also marked the 40th anniversary of the European Charter on Local Self-Government, a landmark treaty that continues to guide the work of local and regional authorities across the continent. She called on all stakeholders to recommit to the principles of subsidiarity, transparency, and accountability that form the basis of the Charter, and that ALDA has embodied since its creation.

The speech concluded with a strong appeal to unity and action. “Let’s deepen our cooperation to further strengthen citizen participation, promote good and accountable governance at the local level, and ensure that democracy is practiced in every city and region across our continent,” she said. Her words were met with warm applause from the Assembly, setting the tone for an afternoon of intense discussion, exchange, and strategic vision for the future of local democracy in Europe and beyond.

ALDA is proud to continue this journey in close cooperation with the Council of Europe’s Congress, reaffirming its mission to protect democratic values and enable citizens to take the lead in shaping their communities.🔗 Learn more about the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

From 10 to 11 July 2025, ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy – will take part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025) in Rome, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and European integration.

This year’s URC, co-hosted by the Government of Italy and the Government of Ukraine, brings together national and local leaders, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate Ukraine’s recovery in the midst of ongoing war and crisis. The conference focuses on key areas such as infrastructure, governance, digital transformation, the rule of law, human capital, environmental sustainability, and the fight against corruption.

ALDA’s presence at URC 2025 represents the voice of local authorities and civil society working in solidarity with Ukraine. Throughout the conference, the ALDA delegation will contribute to high-level discussions, strengthen existing partnerships, and facilitate new collaborations in support of decentralised cooperation and democratic resilience.

📍 Key moments of ALDA’s participation include:

  • On 10 July, ALDA will host a short members’ gathering at the venue, reinforcing community ties during this important international event.
  • On 11 July, Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, will moderate Panel 3.5 on “United Communities and Regions: Effective Governance for Ukraine’s Recovery”, a session highlighting the role of decentralisation, local democracy, and good governance in Ukraine’s future.
  • ALDA is also contributing to several side events taking place within this high-level event. 

ALDA will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the City Council of Mariupol, reinforcing its commitment to local recovery and democratic governance in areas most affected by the war. The signing will take place following Panel 3.5.

Finally, ALDA will conclude its week in Rome with its annual General Assembly, to be held on 12 July at the Ufficio di Esperienza Europa – David Sassoli. The Assembly will serve as a moment of reflection, accountability, and strategic alignment among ALDA members – many of whom are directly involved in Ukraine’s recovery efforts. Waiting for alla ALDA Members there or people upon invitation.

As ALDA continues to work alongside its 18 Local Democracy Agencies, partners, and institutions, its active participation in URC 2025 marks another step in reaffirming that local democracy is a pillar of sustainable recovery and peace.🔗 Learn more about URC 2025: https://www.urc-international.com/urc25

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

📍Maison des Associations Internationales, Rue Washington, 40 B-1050 Brussels, BELGIUM

🗓️ 18 September 2025

On 18 September 2025, Brussels (Belgium) will host the Youth Impact Forum, a dynamic and engaging event dedicated to rethinking how young people participate in democratic life. Organised by ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy, the Forum will bring together youth leaders, policymakers, EU institutions, local and regional authorities, and civil society actors to explore how youth participation can evolve from short-term initiatives into permanent and institutionalised democratic structures.

Across Europe, cities and regions have piloted various models of youth engagement — from youth councils to participatory budgeting and civic co-creation workshops. While promising, these efforts are often fragmented or limited in duration. The Youth Impact Forum will offer a platform to consolidate these experiences and build momentum towards systemic change.

The Forum includes two different thematic blocks:

Discover the agenda here!
Morning Plenary – “Youth Participation: From Local Experiments to Systemic Impact”

This session will open with institutional remarks and a panel discussion highlighting the IDEATHON methodology — an innovative participatory format that allows young people to directly shape policy in collaboration with local governments and other stakeholders. Participants will also hear personal stories from young changemakers, engage in interactive policy roundtables, and explore replicable tools through a Marketplace of Youth Participation Initiatives.

Afternoon Policy Dialogue – “Youth Participation in Climate Action: Co-Creating the Climate-Youth Agenda”

The afternoon will focus on the growing role of young people in shaping Europe’s climate future. From the EU 2040 Climate Target to the expansion of the European Climate Pact, young voices are becoming more present in shaping climate ambition and sustainability strategies. Sessions will include a Youth Climate Toolbox showcase, an interactive fishbowl dialogue between youth and decision-makers, and policy labs where participants will co-create a set of climate-youth pledges. These will culminate in the symbolic adoption of the Brussels Climate-Youth Pledge Sheet.

Join us!

By participating in the Youth Impact Forum, stakeholders will not only exchange best practices and tools, but also contribute directly to shaping policy agendas on youth participation and climate governance at European and local levels.

Whether you are a young leader, a policy professional, a local government representative, or a passionate citizen this Forum will offer concrete pathways to strengthen youth impact in democratic life — now and in the future.

Discover the agenda of the event by clicking here. And register clicking on the button below!

Register here!

***

The event is organised within the framework of the CLIMENTINES and ADD Something projects, both funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.

 

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

The WE ACT Project, supported by the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, reached a significant milestone on June 30, 2025, with the launch of its final publication handbook titled “We Made it Together: WE ACT Project Results and Good Practices” during a dedicated webinar that brought together key stakeholders, project partners, and civil society representatives.

The virtual launch event featured opening remarks from distinguished speakers including Monia El Djendoubi, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation; Zuhal Önal, ALDA Country Representative to Türkiye; and Prof. Dr. Burak Bilgehan Özpek, Board Chair of Daktilo1984.

Prof. Dr. Özpek emphasised “Despite existing polarisations in Türkiye, women’s political participation has become an issue that transcends parties and divisions. Women’s increased political visibility changes how people view politics.” Their participation underscored the project’s significance in advancing gender equality and women’s political participation in Türkiye.

The newly launched handbook serves as a comprehensive guide documenting the project’s journey, impact, and proven strategies for supporting women in politics. The publication covers project foundation and implementation, financial support programme and its impact, measurable success stories, media and communication strategies.  

The WE ACT Project distinguished itself through creative capacity-building approaches documented in the handbook. Activities like participatory democracy training across six cities (Van, Ankara, Istanbul, Adana, Izmir, and Gaziantep), politics and media training program, networking event with journalists, and distance coaching sessions were developed and implemented successfully during the 30 months of the project. 

The publication showcases three primary categories of successful interventions from the subgranting scheme across 21 projects that were implemented for 10 months with a budget up to 4.000€. These are Innovation for Women Empowerment, Capacity Building for Gender Equality, and Social Impact and Inclusion. 

The handbook concludes with practical policy recommendations for the EU and national institutions, aiming to support systemic change and continued empowerment of women in politics.

Looking Forward

The “We Made it Together” handbook represents more than a project conclusion; it serves as a roadmap for organisations, policymakers, and advocates committed to advancing gender equality in political participation. By documenting both successes and lessons learned, the publication provides practical guidance for scaling similar initiatives across different contexts and communities.The complete handbook “We Made it Together: WE ACT Project Results and Good Practices” is now available online: https://bit.ly/WAHandbookEng

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

As the President of the European Commission prepares to deliver the official State of the Union address, civil society organisations across Europe are stepping forward to make citizens’ voices heard on the issues that matter most. In response, Civil Society Europe (CSE), together with a broad coalition of organisations, has published the “Civil Society State of the Union 2025” — a comprehensive report that both assesses the EU’s current condition and puts forward bold, actionable proposals for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The report is the result of over two years of dedicated work by CSE’s State of the Union working group, building on the outcomes of the Conference on the Future of Europe. It reflects a commitment to ensuring civil society and citizens remain central to the European project.

Structured around six key themes, the report offers both diagnosis and direction:

  • Strengthening democracy, fundamental rights and civic space in the EU and globally
  • Enhancing freedom of movement and solidarity to foster a more inclusive Europe
  • Promoting a socially just EU that leaves no one behind
  • Combating the planetary crisis through climate action, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable resource use
  • Advancing a digital transformation that is equitable and accessible to all
  • Ensuring security and resilience through human-centred approaches

ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy – has played a central role in this initiative. ALDA’s Migration Hub is co-chairing Working Group no. 2 on Enhancing freedom of movement and solidarity to foster a more inclusive Europe, and Adrien Licha, ALDA’s Coordinator of the Secretariat, co-chaired Working Group no. 1 on Strengthening Democracy, Fundamental Rights and Civic Space in the EU and globally. 

Compared to the 2023 edition, the 2025 report raises serious concerns over the continued erosion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the Union. It calls on EU institutions to adopt a holistic and inclusive approach, recognising the critical role that civil society plays in safeguarding democratic values and driving systemic change.

This report is crucial for the next period of EU decision-making to fill gaps in some areas and set the agenda in others. The rapid changes we all see require timely and sustainable responses. As independent civil society organisations representing a wide range of citizens’ experiences and interests, we offer clear analysis rooted in lived experience and grassroots contexts”

— Gabriella Civico, President of Civil Society Europe

With this new edition, civil society is not merely reacting to challenges — it is offering strategic vision and grounded solutions. The document is a powerful call to action for EU leaders and institutions to commit to a democratic, socially fair, and environmentally responsible Union.

👉 Read the press release here.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

As part of the V4GCP – Voice for Green Change Partnership project, ALDA conducted a four-day training in Trashiyangtse, East Bhutan, aimed at enhancing the role of business associations in public policy dialogue at both local and national levels. The workshop was organised and hosted by the lead applicant, the Handicraft Association of Bhutan, and it brought together the project’s partners and beneficiaries: BAOWE, SABAH Bhutan, ABCSMI, ABTO, HRAB, ASAB, and BCCI – all CSOs representing various business sectors.

The workshop also gathered stakeholders from the public and private sectors, particularly from the six eastern Dzongkhags (districts), including Planning Officers, Gewog Administrative Officers (rural communities), Economic Development and Marketing Officers (EDMOs), Thromde Thuemis (municipal level), DBDC Chairs (Chamber of Commerce committees on the territory), and business representatives.

Led by Marco Boaria and Anna Ditta from ALDA, with the support of international consultant John Hummel, the training brought together around 40 participants.

By employing an interactive and participatory methodology, ALDA guided participants through a combination of theoretical input, group exercises, and applied case studies. The training focused on how associations can better engage in structured dialogue with public institutions, advocate for members’ interests, and contribute meaningfully to the formulation of business-related policies.

This initiative is part of ALDA’s growing commitment in Bhutan and the wider South-East Asia region, seen as a strategic entry point for the promotion of democratic values, inclusive governance, and local development. The collaboration with HAB and the Bhutanese stakeholders reflects ALDA’s broader mission: empowering civil society and building bridges between citizens and institutions—no matter how far from Europe.

As ALDA’s presence in the region expands, the organisation continues to foster international cooperation by sharing tools and experiences that support democratic transformation and sustainable development at the local level.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

For four years, CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme) has published the annual CERV Town Twinning call (deadline 17th September 2025 at 5.00pm Brussels time). 

Town Twinning refers to a collaboration between two or more towns in multiple European countries that aims to establish and build lasting ties and cooperation in various areas. This programme helps promote intercultural dialogue bringing together people of different nationalities and languages, giving them the opportunity to get to know each other, compare experiences and build strong and stable relationships through participation in common activities. Thus Town Twinning becomes a space for collective reflection and shared growth which contributes to the development of a dynamic and respectful European identity based on common values. 

For its success, Town Twinning requires the addressing of multiple topics, of which solidarity, a core value of the European Union, appears as a priority. This type of project  always helps to overcome national individualism, promoting mutual understanding and creating spaces to discuss common solutions. The main objective is to raise awareness of the importance of strengthening European integration based on shared values. 

But not only that; very important in Town Twinning are civic participation and debate. Thanks to this cooperation, citizens will have the opportunity to share their own ideas and expectations on Europe’s future. The aim is to stimulate a constructive discussion, encouraging the proposal of concrete initiatives that can strengthen the sense of belonging to the European Union. 

Therefore, this collaboration leads to the realisation of various projects and activities that may concern different sectors (such as culture, education, sport, environment, tourism, economy), to the exchange of people for longer or shorter periods, to the development of common projects between different local administrations of the twinning towns and to the active involvement of citizens of all ages and social backgrounds. 

And what is the role of ALDA in here?

For this purpose, ALDA has decided to offer a free technical training about the topic mentioned above. The training will be around 1 hour and a half long and will take place online to guarantee the maximum accessibility and facilitate participation for people from all over Europe. To ensure that each participant can follow the meeting in the language they prefer, three different sessions will be organised: the first one will take place on 23rd July at 10.00am and will be in English, the second one will be held on 25th July also at 10.00am and will be in French, finally the last one will take place on 28th July, this time starting at 2.00pm and will be in Italian. 

The training will not only be a theoretical explanation since guests from ALDA network will speak about their own direct experience in Town Twinning projects that have been successfully implemented in the past few years. Their testimonies will offer useful insights, concrete examples and practical advice on how to start and manage a successful town twinning project. 

To participate in the training, subscription is necessary to one of the following link: 

To participate in the webinar, subscription is mandatory. Registration is a prerequisite for getting  the link allowing access to the online event. 

ALDA staff looks forward to seeing many of you at the webinar and is at the disposal of administrations to provide further technical support. ALDA aims to pursue its mission of promoting good governance and citizens participation at local level.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

📍 Rome, Italy
📆 12 July 2025

SAVE THE DATE – The General Assembly 2025 of ALDA will take place on Saturday, 12 July, in Rome, in hybrid format, allowing both in-person and remote participation of our members and partners. As every year, the General Assembly marks a key moment in ALDA’s life, bringing together members from across Europe and beyond to take stock of the work done, renew our shared commitments, and chart future directions for the association. The 2025 edition will be hosted in the vibrant setting of Rome, immediately following the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025), in which ALDA will also be present as a partner.

This year’s Assembly will feature discussions on key topics shaping ALDA’s action: from the role of local democracy in times of crisis, to innovative participatory practices, European enlargement, and ALDA’s engagement in Ukraine and the wider neighbourhood. It will also be the occasion to meet new members, approve strategic documents, and strengthen synergies across the network.

The General Assembly will gather local authorities, civil society organisations, and institutional partners – reaffirming the strength and relevance of ALDA’s multistakeholder approach.

This year’s assembly will follow closely on the heels of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 (URC2025), scheduled for 10–11 July, where ALDA is proud to participate as an engaged partner.

Held at the prestigious Roma Convention Center – La Nuvola, the URC2025 will bring together international political leaders, civil society actors, regional authorities and business stakeholders to reaffirm support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. As the continuation of the high-level series hosted previously in Lugano (2022), London (2023), and Berlin (2024), the Rome edition will focus on four core dimensions of Ukraine’s recovery: Business, Human Capital, Local and Regional Development, and EU Accession & Reforms.

This unique context offers a timely opportunity for ALDA’s members and partners to reflect on shared values of solidarity, local democracy, and participatory governance. By holding the General Assembly immediately after the Conference, ALDA reinforces its commitment to local and regional actors as essential drivers of peace, recovery, and democratic resilience — in Ukraine, in Europe and beyond.

SAVE THE DATE and join us in Rome, Italy, to:

  • Connect with ALDA’s diverse network of members and partners
  • Discuss priorities for the year ahead
  • Share insights from URC2025 and ALDA’s ongoing efforts in Ukraine
  • Shape the future of democratic local governance in Europe and its neighbourhood

More details about the venue, registration, and agenda will follow soon. In the meantime, save the date and prepare to be part of a milestone event for ALDA and its community.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

FOSTER International Online Conference | 11 June 2025

On 11 June 2025, ALDA and Foster Europe Foundation hosted the international online conference “Civic Participation and Democracy: Limits, Potentials, and Extremes”, a key milestone of the FOSTER – Future Oriented Solutions Toward Environmental Resilience project, co-funded by the European Union.

Building on insights from a previous FOSTER conference focused on civil society’s role in environmental resilience, this event brought together practitioners, experts, and engaged citizens to explore the depth and complexity of civic participation across different contexts.The conference was structured around two interconnected themes:

Differences and Similarities of Civic Engagement

This session explored civic participation at local, regional, national, and transnational levels, using real-world examples to highlight varying approaches, methods, and interventions. Particular attention was given to civic action in rural areas, where engagement often transcends traditional urban concepts of the polis, and is shaped instead by neighbourhood-based or village-level structures.

Civic Participation in Situations of Extremes

The second part of the conference addressed civic engagement in times of crisis. Presentations focused on:

  • Belarus, where civil society continues to resist authoritarian oppression and electoral fraud.
  • Ukraine, where citizens are mobilising in the face of Russia’s full-scale war, both inside the country and in exile.

These case studies powerfully demonstrated how civic engagement not only supports communities in surviving extraordinary circumstances, but also reinforces the value of pluralism and democratic resilience.

The event was introduced with a keynote by Professor Elena García Guitián (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), offering a conceptual framing of civic participation today. Throughout the day, participants engaged in dynamic exchanges during plenary sessions and interactive breakout rooms, reflecting on two key questions:

  • What do we need from Europe?
  • How are democracy, civic participation, and development interconnected?

Conference Programme Highlights

09:00 | Welcome

Stefan August Lütgenau, Foster Europe Foundation

09:30 | Opening Session

Nadia Di Iulio, ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy

Keynote by Elena García Guitián, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

10:10 | Case Studies on Civic Participation

Moderation: Stefan August Lütgenau

  • Irene Alonso Toucido, Democratic Odyssey – Transnational participation
  • Stefan Sindelar, Innovation in Politics – Regional & local engagement
  • Iva Taralezhkova, Devetaki Plateau – Participation in rural areas
  • Anastasia Busaileva, ALDA Ukraine – Civic action in exile and at home
  • Anastasiya Svirkova, People’s Embassy of Belarus – Resistance to dictatorship
  • Maja Vejzović, LDA Mostar – Civic participation and reconciliation

13:00 | Breakout Discussions

Room 1: What do we need from Europe? – Expert: Maja Vejzović

Room 2: Civic Participation, Democracy and Development – Expert: Anastasia Busaileva

15:00 | Closing Reflections & Outlook

The conference reaffirmed that civil society is an essential pillar of democratic systems, particularly in times of uncertainty and upheaval. It also underlined the importance of creating inclusive spaces where citizens —regardless of geography, status, or context— can act, influence, and build democratic futures together.

FOSTER is a project co-funded by the European Union, coordinated by Foster Europe Foundation in partnership with ALDA and other key actors.

Watch the recording here ▶






DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

How can local communities become catalysts for global change?

Join us on 16 July 2025 in Paris for “Global Calls, Local Acts: Grassroot participatory practices for achieving sustainability”. This dynamic two-part event is organised by ALDA within the framework of Up2You, a project implemented within the Territorial and Local Development (TeLD) Hub, which brings together civil society, local authorities, academia, and engaged citizens to explore participatory pathways toward sustainability.

🕛 From 12:00 to 13:30 — Strategy Co-Creation Session (Hybrid Format)

The morning will be dedicated to TELD Hub’s members only, offering an exclusive opportunity to shape the TeLD Hub’s future direction. Through interactive presentations, survey insights, and collaborative discussions, participants will contribute to the Hub’s 2025–2026 action plan, focusing on inclusive cities, urban–rural cohesion, and cultural heritage protection.

This is your chance to share your expertise, propose initiatives, and co-design the next steps of the TeLD Hub alongside like-minded peers!

🕒 From 15:00 to 17:00 — Public Roundtable & Peer Exchange (In-Person Only)

The afternoon opens to a wider audience for an engaging session on grassroots practices for SDG localisation. Highlighting the Living Communities Labs approach developed through the Erasmus+ Up2You project, this panel and open discussion will explore participatory models for community-led territorial development. Experts, civil society leaders, and researchers will share experiences from across Europe and beyond.

Expect meaningful insights, collaborative energy, and plenty of networking moments in a vibrant learning environment. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a local changemaker, your contribution matters!


👉 Register now and join us in shaping sustainable futures—from the ground up.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

Chișinău, Moldova – As Moldova continues its journey toward European integration, the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) reaffirmed its support through a high-level visit by its President, Nataša Vučković, to the country’s capital. Her participation in the Civic Engagement Conference, held within the framework of the INSPIRED Moldova project, marked a significant moment for democratic dialogue and civic participation in the region.

The INSPIRED Moldova project aims to foster active citizen engagement, strengthen civil society, and reinforce the role of local actors in shaping democratic life. During her visit, Vučković gave an in-depth interview outlining ALDA’s commitment to Moldova’s democratic development through capacity-building initiatives, multilateral cooperation, and open dialogue with stakeholders at the local level.

“The essence of democracy lies in the active participation of citizens in shaping the future of their society and political transformation,” she stated, adding that true change begins at the local level, where citizens must be informed, consulted, and actively involved in decision-making processes.

Vučković also highlighted ALDA’s added value as a unique European network, connecting local authorities, civil society organisations, and citizens to promote good governance and inclusive development.

“In Moldova, we support the active involvement of all actors in the country’s path toward the European Union,” she continued, underlining the critical role of civic engagement in aligning local governance with European values.

Solidarity in the Face of Regional Challenges

In a region facing increasing democratic pressures, Vučković called attention to the shared challenges of countries like Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia. According to her, these countries have a common historical legacy and much to gain through mutual exchange and collaboration, especially on issues such as:

  • strengthening the rule of law,
  • safeguarding judicial independence, and
  • effectively addressing corruption.

Her message was clear: international solidarity networks and partnerships are essential to reinforcing democracy and promoting sustainable reforms in Eastern Europe.

Empowering Youth and Women in Democracy

The conversation also explored the vital role of women in civil society and the rise of youth leadership as pillars of democratic resilience. Vučković emphasised that empowering these groups and encouraging their involvement at all levels of governance is not only a matter of inclusion but a strategic necessity for any society undergoing transformation.

ALDA’s Lasting Commitment in Moldova

ALDA’s presence in Moldova is far from symbolic. Through projects like INSPIRED Moldova, the organisation continues to engage with local communities and institutional partners to promote inclusive governance, civic empowerment, and European integration.

Vučković’s visit to Chișinău served as a strong reminder of ALDA’s enduring commitment to supporting democratic values in Eastern Europe. With citizens increasingly mobilised and eager to shape their political future, Moldova stands as a vibrant example of local democracy in action — and ALDA will remain a dedicated partner on this path.

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

After two impactful years of collaboration, the second edition of THE:PLACE programme has come to a close. The final event took place in the unique and symbolic setting of Autostrada Biennale’s hangar in Prizren, Kosovo, where nearly 50 beneficiaries from across the European Union and Turkey gathered to reflect on the projects they had developed and the bridges they had built.

A Civil Society Hub in Unlikely Surroundings

The event venue, located on a former military site now transformed into a creative hub for civil society, provided an evocative backdrop. Upon entering the compound with its stark, numbered hangars, one might initially feel as though they have stepped onto an active base. Yet the open doors and the warm presence of civil society actors quickly reveal the space’s new purpose: a dynamic platform for dialogue, creativity and cooperation.

Over the course of three days, participants exchanged experiences, shared outcomes and explored opportunities for future partnerships. It was the culmination of a journey that began in 2021, when the Mercator Foundation launched a call for civil society programmes aimed at fostering collaboration between the EU and Turkey.

A Model of Quadrilateral Cooperation

Following a competitive selection process, a synergy was identified between ALDA, the European Association for Local Democracy, and MAD, Mekanda Adalet Derneği, two organisations with a shared commitment to participatory methods and local empowerment. Together they devised a pioneering model of quadrilateral cooperation, bringing together:

  • One EU-based civil society organisation
  • One Turkish civil society organisation
  • Their respective local authorities

These partnerships were invited to co-design and implement projects that addressed local challenges with shared relevance across borders. Building on the success of the first edition, the second round supported nine partnerships working on pressing topics such as:

  • Spatial inequality
  • Climate adaptation
  • Social inclusion of migrants
  • Preservation of endangered cultural heritage
  • Advocacy for sustainable fashion

Participating organisations came from Turkey, Italy, Romania, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Croatia and France, each contributing local knowledge and innovative approaches. Municipalities from Diyarbakır and Gaziantep to Cosenza, Dorohoi and Zagreb brought invaluable insights into how communities can tackle shared societal issues through localised action.

A Collective Reflection and a Shared Future

The final event in Prizren was both a moment of celebration and forward thinking. Each partnership presented their project outcomes, supported by animated video summaries that traced the journey from problem identification to collaborative solution.

Workshops facilitated deeper discussion and exchange, while also encouraging future joint initiatives. One particularly engaging activity involved participants stepping into each other’s roles, with civil society representatives adopting the perspective of local authorities and vice versa. This exercise fostered greater mutual understanding and empathy.

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled not only with memories but with concrete hope for continued collaboration. In a city where Turkish is widely spoken and the euro is used as currency, Prizren itself seemed to symbolise the essence of THE:PLACE — a meeting ground of cultures, ideas and shared purpose.

Looking Ahead

Although this edition has concluded, the spirit of THE:PLACE lives on in the partnerships forged, the projects implemented and the lasting connections built. The programme has demonstrated that cross-border cooperation between civil society and local authorities is not only feasible, but essential in addressing today’s most complex challenges.

As beneficiaries return to their home communities, they carry with them the tools, relationships and motivation to continue shaping local democracy together.